Assistant Buyer

Severn Trent Water; Coventry; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A major water utility company is seeking an Assistant Buyer to join their Procurement and Contract Management team. This role involves negotiating procurement requirements and supporting Category Managers. Ideal candidates will have strong stakeholder management skills, knowledge in purchasing processes, and good IT skills. The position offers various benefits including bonuses, pension contributions, and dedicated training opportunities.

Benefits

25 days holiday + bank holidays

Annual bonus scheme

Leading pension scheme

Sharesave scheme

Dedicated training and development

Electric vehicle scheme

Family friendly policies

Two paid volunteering days per year

Qualifications

• Ability to manage and build relationships with stakeholders.
• Experience in managing tenders and contracts.
• Willingness to learn and develop.
• Ability to maintain spreadsheets and databases.

Responsibilities

• Manage and negotiate low-value procurement requirements.
• Support Category Managers with larger requirements.
• Provide guidance on procurement processes.
• Research supply markets and lead quotation processes.

Skills

Stakeholder management

Knowledge of purchasing processes

Good IT skills

Communication skills

Tools

SAP

Access

Word

PowerPoint

Job description

Overview

At Severn Trent, we are far more than just a water and waste company - we have some BIG ambitions! In Transformation, we run a series of high risk, high complexity programmes that deliver huge value into our business. From replacing strategic systems to delivering our net zero carbon ambitions, our programmes have the unlimited potential to completely transform our business.

Of course, having transformative programmes is one thing, but it’s our people that make Severn Trent a truly brilliant and inclusive place to work – a place where you can be yourself and let your skills shine. We’re looking for experienced, passionate and dedicated individuals to come and join our ever-growing team of change professionals.

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

We’re excited to offer not one, but two incredible opportunities to join our award-winning Procurement and Contract Management team as an Assistant Buyer, supporting our Technology Category Managers. Whether you\'re looking for a long-term career move or a chance to gain valuable experience, we have both a permanent position and a 12-month fixed-term contract available. This is your chance to be part of a forward-thinking, collaborative team that’s making a real impact—come and grow with us.

Your focus will be to manage and negotiate low value, low risk one off requirements/ad-hoc spend, typically ranging from £5k-£250k in value, whilst supporting our Category Managers in the management of larger and more complex requirements and EU tenders.

You’ll provide great customer service and guidance to our stakeholders on our Procurement processes, research supply markets and suppliers, and lead quotation and supplier selection processes.

This is a development opportunity which will allow you to kick-start your career in Procurement. If you have confidence, drive and excellent communication skills then we’d love to hear from you.

What you’ll bring to the role

To be successful in this role, it’s expected that you’ll have the following skills and experience:

• The ability to manage stakeholders and build effective relationships
• Experience and knowledge of purchasing processes (e.g., managing tenders and contracts)
• Willingness to learn, develop and the confidence to ask questions, and influence people
• Good IT skills, with the ability to develop and maintain spreadsheets and databases, (including SAP, Access, Word, PowerPoint)

The right skills and experience are important. But if you have the right character, positivity and a caring attitude we want to talk to you, too.

We welcome people from all walks of life and celebrate individuality as we know diverse minds, experiences and backgrounds help us to learn and better serve our communities. We want people who show up and get involve. Those who are ready to be part of something bigger and who want to make a difference because they care.

Is that you?

What’s in it for you

We have a range of benefits that recognise great work, and award-winning training to help you reach your potential. And we’ll also help you play your part in looking after the environment and the communities where we live.

With that in mind, here are just some of our favourite\'s perks that you’ll get being part of the Seven Trent family:

• 25 days holiday + bank holidays (and the ability to buy/ sell up to 5 days per year)
• Annual bonus scheme (of up to £2,250 per annum based on company performance)
• Leading pension scheme – we will double your contribution (up to 15% when you contribute 7.5%)
• Sharesave – the chance to buy Severn Trent Plc shares at a discounted rate
• Dedicated training and development with our Academy
• Electric vehicle scheme and retail offers
• Family friendly policies
• Two paid volunteering days per year

What’s next?

We can’t wait to hear from you.

Before you apply, you’ll need an updated copy of your CV and about five minutes to spare. We’ll always let you know the outcome of your application after the closing date too - so keep an eye on your phone and emails.

And, if your curiosity has peaked and you want to find out even more, search #LifeAtSevernTrent on social media.